Winthrop University Oral History Program

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  Interview with Louvenia Barksdale - OH 325

  Louvenia Delores Barksdale and Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation

  OH 325

  This collection includes an interview of Louvenia D. Barksdale (1913-1990), who founded the Sickle Cell Foundation in 1974 (which was renamed the L.D. Barksdale Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation in her honor). In this interview, Ms. Barksdale discusses her early life, education, and experience as an African American educator in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Ms. Barksdale also discusses her initial interest in sickle cell disease, the formation of her organization, the South Carolina Genetic Grant, the functions of the L.D. Barksdale Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation (particularly testing, screening, transportation, and caring for the community), the difficulties of running the organization, donations from other organizations, the educational campaign about sickle cell disease, and the experience of sickle cell patients. She also describes the connection between her foundation and Dr. James R. Clark (a well-known sickle cell anemia expert from South Carolina).

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  Interview with Freddie Barnes - OH 696

  Freddie Barnes

  OH 696

  This interview with Freddie Barnes was conducted by Dr. George Garrison for his History of Emmett Scott High School project. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated high school for African Americans in the Rock Hill South Carolina School District. It was named for Emmett Scott a former aid to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 following the integration of the school system. Mr. Barnes is a member of the Rattlercats, students who started their education at Emmett Scott but moved with the integration to Rock Hill High School. These students still identified with Emmett Scott and attempted to have the alma mater, mascot, and the school colors altered to include tributes to Emmett Scott. To accomplish this the students walked out of school and marched down to the site of the closed Emmett Scott. Mr. Barnes discusses his involvement in the school walk-out and the experiences he had during integration. He details the struggle many students felt to remember the now closed school as well as fit in to their new school. Mr. Barnes’ class of 1970 is the first class to not attend Emmett Scott High School their freshman year.

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  Interview with James Barnes - OH 708

  James Barnes and Emmett Scott High School

  OH 708

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George garrison with James Barnes for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, South Carolina schools. Mr. Barnes was born in Great falls, SC, but moved to Rock Hill when he was five years old. He attended Emmett Scott from the age of six until the fifth grade when his family moved to York, SC. The family returned to Rock Hill a few years later and Mr. Barnes attended Emmett Scott from the ninth grade until he graduated. In this interview, he discusses his family history that includes his great grandfather who was a slave, his experiences and recollections while attending Emmett Scott High School, his military career and fighting in World War II, and his experiences and recollections of the black community in Rock Hill, SC.

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  Interview with Thelma Barnes - OH 422

  Thelma Barnes

  OH 422

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with H. Barnstead - OH 420

  H. Barnstead

  OH 420

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Gladys Talbert Barron - OH 117

  Gladys Louise Talbert Barron

  OH 117

  This interview was conducted with Gladys Louise Talbert Barron (1906-2003). Mrs. Barron graduated from Winthrop College in 1926 with a Bachelor's degree and in 1949 with a Master's degree. In this interview Ms. Barron discusses her memories of Winthrop College including Winthrop uniforms, the Blue Line, Morning Watch, YWCA, SGA, departmental clubs, Fine Arts Series, college chaperones, famous guests, rules, the Daisy Chain, Junior-Senior dance and the college farm. This interview is a great snapshot into the life of a Winthrop student in the 1920s.

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  Interview with Diana Barton - OH 396

  Diana Barton

  OH 396

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church History - OH 076

  R. Conover Bartram

  OH 076

  IN PROCESSING

  This is an edited tape of personal reminiscences used by R. Conover Bartram to compile "The History of the Church of St. Thaddeus" of Aiken, South Carolina. Subjects include the various ministers of the church, church services, and activities, architecture, and landscaping. Also included is some church music.

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  Interview with Jacky Bayne - VHP 016

  Jacky Crawford Bayne

  VHP - 016

  In his October 27, 2003 interview with Kelly Mitchell, Jacky Bayne describes his experience overseas in the Vietnam War. He shares the stories of when he was wounded in Vietnam, his near death experiences associated with that, and his journey back to the United States. Bayne also explains how he met his wife and his recovery from his wounds. He concludes with what he did after the war and some of his special memories from his service. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Dr. Roswell Nathaniel Beck - OH 368

  Roswell Nathaniel Beck Sr. and South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus

  OH 368

  This interview features Dr. Roswell “R. N.” Nathaniel Beck, Sr. (1913–2003) of Florence, South Carolina, a respected physician and U.S. Army Medical Corps veteran of the Korean War. Dr. Beck reflects on his lifelong commitment to advancing African American rights, with particular focus on his work with the South Carolina Voter Education Project and his efforts to guide and influence the priorities of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.

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  Interview with Flonnie Shaw Bell - OH 269

  Florence Irene Shaw Bell

  OH 269

  This interview discusses the Shaw family, especially the life of Florence Irene “Flonnie” Shaw Bell (1908-1986). Flonnie Shaw Bell mostly tells stories from her childhood in the Indian Land area of South Carolina. Through these stories she describes how she grew up and her family, including births in the family, deaths in the family, and her marriage. She also talks about her family at the time of the interview and all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that she has.

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  Interview with Sallie Bell - OH 460

  Sallie Bell

  OH 460

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Reverend Foster Benjamin - Acc. 186, No. 003

  Foster Benjamin and York County Multiethnic Heritage Project

  Accession 186, No. 003

  This interview, conducted by Beverly Wilform, features Reverend Foster Benjamin (1913–1991) as part of the York County Multiethnic Heritage Project. Born in Bishopville, South Carolina, Rev. Benjamin reflects on his childhood, his relocation to Rock Hill, and the formative experiences that shaped his life. He discusses his spiritual journey, his relationship with God, and his perspective on the role of religion in his life. Additionally, he offers insights into his views on the youth of 1977 and the broader societal impact of faith.

  This interview was conducted as part of the York County Multiethnic Heritage Project, an initiative led by Dr. Berman of Winthrop University’s English faculty. Funded by a $38,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the project sought to document and analyze the contributions of diverse ethnic groups to the cultural heritage of York County, particularly within School District No. 3, the York County Nature Museum, and the City of Rock Hill Recreation Department. Running from July 1976 to June 30, 1977, the project focused on Southern Appalachian, African American, and American Indian communities, preserving their cultural narratives and traditions through research and public engagement.

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  Interview with Peter Berg - OH 242

  Peter Berg

  OH 242

  In his December 1993 interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Peter Berg detailed his part in the ‘60s radical movement and his more recent activities with the Planet Drum Foundation. Berg described his involvement in the Digger movement and environmental movement with bioregionalism at its core. He covered such topics as McCarthyism, the psychedelic movement and the drugs involved, guerilla theatre, San Francisco movements, the Black Liberation Movement, and the Diggers. Berg also discussed the Free Speech movement, bioregionalism, sexism, and homophobia. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Philip Berrigan - OH 247

  Philip Berrigan

  OH 247

  In his December 1992 interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Philip Berrigan detailed his part in the ‘60s Radical Movement and his current aspirations. Berrigan, a former Catholic priest, told of his nonviolent actions that landed him in jail many times. He covered the topics of Jonah House, United States imperialism, the antiwar movement, his view on violence, underground life, prison life, and Vietnam. Berrigan also discussed his motivation for entering the antiwar movement, the reason for why the movement fell apart, and the sexism of the movement. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Nona Berry - OH 415

  Nona Berry

  OH 415

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Sally Todd Bethea - OH 015

  Sally Todd Bethea

  OH 015

  Sally Todd Bethea’s 1974 interview with Freida C. Todd focuses on life at Winthrop in the late 1930s and includes why Ms. Bethea attended Winthrop, teacher training, dorm life, uniforms, gym, the dining hall, assemblies, clubs, campus restrictions, entertainment, classes, Winthrop Training School, bible class, orientation, Shelton Phelps, the Depression, the college farm and ice cream, and Saturday night dances. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Sophie Bigge - OH 487

  Sophie Bigge

  OH 487

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Keith Louis Bildstein - OH 180

  Keith Louis Bildstein

  OH 180

  The interview was conducted in preparation for an article to be written by Ron Chepesuik. Dr. Bildstein discusses his personal and educational background, his interest in birds and biology and his career at Winthrop. Dr. Bildstein received his BS in biology from Muhlenberg College in 1972 and then his Doctorate from Ohio State University. He came to work at Winthrop University in the fall of 1978. He discusses his interest in birds, originating from his father’s pastime of pigeon racing, and his study of birds, why he prefers studying birds over mammals, and the development of the study of birds. He also talks about his professional career, teaching at Winthrop University and awards he has received as a researcher and professor. Dr. Bildstein left Winthrop in 1992 and later became Director of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.

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  Reminiscences of Biology 213-214

  Biology 213-214, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 781

  This collection of written reminiscences includes seven written accounts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 experience, notably from the student perspective. Seven college students from a Winthrop Biology course (BIO-213/214) share their experiences amid the pandemic. Notable topics of discussion include the COVID-19 virus, virtual learning, work, daily life, and higher education during the coronavirus global pandemic.

  Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”

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  Oral History - OH 742

  Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ

  OH 742

  This interview was conducted by Margaret “Isa” Long with interviewee K as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. The interviewee discusses his experiences amid the critical year 2020, particularly as a member of the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. The interviewee details the challenges he continues to face navigating society as a Black queer person; in addition, he discusses his experiences as the child of Caribbean immigrants, often highlighting personal and familial struggles. He also sheds light on the social justice movement sparked in 2020 as well as the disconnect he, at times, feels within the Black community. Other notable topics of conversation include the red vs. blue political culture, homophobia and/or anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, race, and discrimination.

  Interviewee K (He/They), a native of New York State, identifies as both “gender-fluid,” i.e. an individual who does not identity with a fixed gender, and transmasculine (or transmasc), a term used for someone whose gender identity or expression is predominantly male, though assigned female at birth. The interviewee currently resides in the state of Georgia and is an undergraduate student.

  Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”

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  Interview with Harold T. Blackman - OH 203

  Harold T. Blackman

  OH 203

  In his interview with Michael Cooke, Harold T. Blackman (1915-1988) discusses his involvement with the Progressive Democratic Party. Mr. Blackman details the beginnings of the Progressive Democratic Party and the early work to bring more people from the black community into the political arena in South Carolina during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. He also discusses the Palmetto Voters Association and their involvement and cooperation with the Progressive Democratic Party.

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  Interview with Mary Ursula Blackwell Baker - OH30

  Mary Ursula Blackwell Baker

  OH 030

  IN PROCESSING

  Mary Ursula Blackwell Baker (1921-1995), formerly the executive secretary of the AFL-CIO Building Trades Council and a field representative for the Urban League, shares her recollections about Southern cotton mill town life and her trade union work activities since the mid-1940s including her involvement with strikes and lockouts. Also, she discusses her parents and grandparents, her childhood during the Great Depression, religion, political views, divorce, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), traveling and those who made an impression on her life.

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  Interview with Major Charlton Hardin Blanks - VHP 107

  Charlton Hardin Blanks and Veterans History Project

  VHP 107

  This interview with Major Charlton Blanks (1938- ) was conducted on July 23, 2023. Major Blanks is a Chester County, SC native and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served in three tours in Vietnam in 1964, 1968, and 1975. After leaving the military he worked as a teacher of science and physics at Chester High School. Charlton also helped organize the first Chester County Veterans Day ceremony in 1995 and served as the Commander of the Chester Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). In this interview Charlton discusses his experiences in the military and in Vietnam. He also discusses growing up and living in Chester County, SC.

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  Interview with Lillian Blonien - OH 513

  Lillian Blonien

  OH 513

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.